The Pope had chosen four cardinals to study the Rule that Eugene had presented and to give him their recommendation. On February 15, the cardinals met at the home of Cardinal Pacca to draw up their final opinion to convey to the Pope. While they were discussing, Eugene prayed in the Church of Santa Maria in Campitelli, across the road from the Cardinal’s home.
This morning, my first concern after saying Holy Mass was to pay a visit to Cardinal Pedicini to inform him about the conversation I had yesterday with Cardinal Pallotta, and give him the notes that I had written out in reply to some observations he had made to me. From there, I rushed to get to Cardinal Pacca in time to tell him a few things before the other cardinals gathered at his place. I informed his Eminence that I would stay in the church of Campitelli during their meeting so that, if they should need me, they could get a hold of me quickly, since that church is right across from the Cardinal’s palace.
As I was going out, I requested that they let me know as soon as the meeting was over. That is exactly what they forgot to do, so that I was able to hear nine masses, one after the other, entirely at peace without being disturbed. Well! Can I say it? I have never felt more at home in a church. I had made the decision on entering that I would pray wholeheartedly while the cardinals were discussing our business matters. The time seemed short to me. I left the church at one o’clock since I knew they had forgotten me, because I could not presume that the cardinals would put off their lunch that long on a fast day. I came home to have mine, gobbled it down quickly and spent two hours this evening working with the Archbishop Secretary on what they had decided this morning at their meeting.